Google Ads Campaign Stuck in a Loop – How to Escape

We love Google Ads, but there is one issue that is frustrating a lot of users setting up their first campaign.

Google tries to get you to go through a simplified process to create your first campaign.

Welcome screen for Google Adwords.

If you don’t click “Skip the guided step” when creating your first campaign, you will be stuck in a loop, forced to create your first campaign with limited customization options. Many users have been forced to enter their billing information and run a sub-optimal campaign to get out of this loop.

Fortunately, we have found a way to get out of this loop without needing to enter your billing information. 

Step 1 – Log Out of Google, and Open a New Incognito Window

In your new Incognito Window (or InPrivate Window in Edge), open ads.google.com again.

Google ads welcome screen featuring the 'Start Now' button.

From here, click START NOW.

Step 2 – Click “Skip the guided setup”

Image of the welcome screen for Google Ads, highlighting the location of the 'Skip the Guided Setup' link.

Now you have a chance to get out of this frustrating loop which you have been stuck in. You must be careful not to rush on the next page, or you will find yourself right back in the loop. After you click “Skip the guided setup”, make sure you follow step 3!

Step 3 – DO NOT CLICK SAVE AND CONTINUE! – Instead click on “Click here”

A screen in the Google Ads setup, highlighting to click on the link that says, 'click here' instead of the 'Save and Continue' button below.

Enter your email, select your country, time zone, and currency, but DO NOT CLICK SAVE AND CONTINUE – if you do, you will have to start back at step 1. Instead, click “Click here.” as shown above.

Step 4 – You Have Escaped!

You should now be logged in to your Google Ads platform, where you can use the full functionality to create a fully customized first campaign. 

We hope you have successfully escaped this frustrating loop – if you want help using Google Ads to set up your first campaign, contact us!